Killing Lincoln

The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever

By: Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard

Narrated by: Bill O'Reilly

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

A riveting historical narrative of the heart-stopping events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, and the first work of history from mega best-selling author Bill O'Reilly.

The iconic anchor of The O'Reilly Factor recounts one of the most dramatic stories in American history - how one gunshot changed the country forever. In the spring of 1865, the bloody saga of America's Civil War finally comes to an end after a series of increasingly harrowing battles. President Abraham Lincoln's generous terms for Robert E. Lee's surrender are devised to fulfill Lincoln's dream of healing a divided nation, with the former Confederates allowed to reintegrate into American society. But one man and his band of murderous accomplices, perhaps reaching into the highest ranks of the U.S. government, are not appeased.

In the midst of the patriotic celebrations in Washington, DC, John Wilkes Booth - charismatic ladies' man and impenitent racist - murders Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theatre. A furious manhunt ensues and Booth immediately becomes the country's most wanted fugitive. Lafayette C. Baker, a smart but shifty New York detective and former Union spy, unravels the string of clues leading to Booth, while federal forces track his accomplices. The thrilling chase ends in a fiery shootout and a series of court-ordered executions - including that of the first woman ever executed by the U.S. government, Mary Surratt.

Featuring some of history's most remarkable figures, vivid detail, and pause-resisting action, Killing Lincoln is history that comes across like a thriller.

©2011 Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"As a history major, I wish my required reading had been as well written as this truly vivid and emotionally engaging account of Lincoln's assassination. And as a former combat infantry officer, I found myself running for cover at the Civil War battle scenes. This is the story of an American tragedy that changed the course of history. If you think you know this story, you don't until you’ve read Killing Lincoln. Add historian to Bill O’Reilly’s already impressive résumé." (Nelson DeMille, author of The Lion and The Gold Coast)

"[ Killing Lincoln] is nonfiction, albeit told in white-knuckled, John Grisham-like style." ( New York Post)

"If Grisham wrote a novel about April 1865…it might well read like Killing Lincoln." (Peter J. Boyer, Newsweek)

great book

Where does Killing Lincoln rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

fast paced...feel like you are there

What did you like best about this story?

reveals things not addressed before

Which character – as performed by Bill O'Reilly – was your favorite?

Boothe, the killer

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, would if I could

Very interesting story

What did you love best about Killing Lincoln?

Loved finding out details about Lincoln that I didn't learn in school

What did you like best about this story?

Very well written

Would you listen to another book narrated by Bill O'Reilly?

Yes

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I cried when Lincoln died

Really interesting twist on a familiar story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I enjoyed that it was told as a thriller. The historical facts and asides really held my interest.

What does Bill O'Reilly bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I really enjoyed his reading, he made the story even more exciting.

Very interesting if you are a U. S. History buff

Would you consider the audio edition of Killing Lincoln to be better than the print version?

Didn't read print edition

What other book might you compare Killing Lincoln to and why?

Others in Bill O'Reilly's Killing Series

Which character – as performed by Bill O'Reilly – was your favorite?

None that come to mind

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

No answer

Any additional comments?

Martin Duguard(so?) is an important partner

Outstanding

This is a fantastic source of Lincoln history. A job well done indeed. I will download killing Kennedy next. Thank you for the knowledge

A Great History Lesson for all ages

History has always fascinated me and I've read everything Shelby Foote has written but this book puts the last days of the war between the states into an incredible time line. Masterfully told, full of interesting trivia, I wish this was required reading in high school.

Much better than I thought it would

This was very interesting, I dont remember learning any of these events during history class in high school. A very good and well paced book to listen to. I was concerned that Bill OReilly would sound like he does on TV(somewhat confrontational) but he did a really good job narrating the book. I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

Good, but too short

Where does Killing Lincoln rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Middle of-the-pack. Interesting subject, but not riveting. I would not listen again, although I might suggest it to a history buff

Would you recommend Killing Lincoln to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, if they liked history. Not a book that I would suggest to all of my friends

Which character – as performed by Bill O'Reilly – was your favorite?

N/A. He was the narrator, not a performer

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The details of Lincoln's final days

Any additional comments?

I liked the book, but found it to be too short. Lots of details about Lincoln, his final days, and the people involved. Interesting to a history buff, but it was not a book that seemed to have a personality. Interesting, but dry.

Great read ....listen

A little slow at first during the war scenes, but still interesting enough to grab you. 2nd half of the book is one of those you just can’t seem to put down.

Engaging!

Very engaging, full of interesting facts about all of the characters and events, including the end of the civil war. I very much enjoyed it.